Al Brown, who played Colonel Stan Walcheck on “The Wire,” died Friday. He was 83 years old.
Brown’s talent manager Michael announced the news on the late actor’s official Facebook page late Saturday night.
“I am saddened to inform you that the angels came for Al yesterday morning, Friday, January 13, 2023,” the statement began. “May his memory be a blessing to his family, friends and each of you. This page will live on as a testament to Al’s work and love for his fans.”
Brown’s daughter, Jenny, also told TMZ that her father died in Las Vegas of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He also revealed that before entering Hollywood in the ’90s, he was an Air Force vet who served two tours in Vietnam.
Jenny added that her late father loved his fans and was always happy to stop and chat with anyone who might have recognized him from the show over the years.
Brown has also appeared in television shows such as Rescue Me, Court Cases, Law & Order: He also had smaller roles in films such as The Replacements, 12 Monkeys, Leigh’s Beloved, Red Dragon, and Liberty Heights.
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Despite his lengthy resume, Brown will be best known for his role on the hit HBO show. In “The Wire,” Brown portrayed a crooked Baltimore Police Department official who thwarts an investigation by officers investigating waterfront corruption and drug trafficking with dock workers.
Although Brown appeared as Walcek in all five seasons of The Wire, in the second season he mainly appeared as a proud Polish-American who mixed in with the Greek crowd.
“Learned almost everything the hard way. But you never quit or stopped trying,” Brown also wrote in his LinkedIn bio. “Believe that ‘honor’ is a way of life and should be cherished. I always wanted to be an actor.
“Dedicated to family, military and obvious responsibilities for 30+ years. Back to it. Thank God for my “The Wire!!!” for the TV show.”
He officially announced his retirement on November 1, 2022.
Brown is survived by his children and extended family.
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